FAQ

DC Clients

1. Why can’t I do this in <insert DC client here>?

Well, there are a lot of DC clients out there (ApexDC++ is our officially supported client for Windows). You can download the newest ApexDC++ build on our downloads page. Note that this installer comes custom configured to work with dtella. You can download it elsewhere, but you will also be in charge of configuring it correctly yourself. You can also use Jucy for Macs and LinuxDC++ for, well, Linux. ApexDC++ is also WINE compatible if you have the technical inclination to run it that way. If you are a new user, it is recommended that you stick with these.

2. What is segmenting? How do I disable it?

As we will tell you in chat, segmenting is when your computer splits a file to download into a bunch of little files and downloads them all separately. It’s meant to increase speed, but it doesn’t work when you’re on a network as fast as ours, and it actually slows your download. Also, it damages hard drives because of the higher amount of read/write operations, and definitely slows computers uploading the files.

Most DC clients have the ability to segment files. Our custom ApexDC++ installer has segmenting disabled by default. For other clients, look for settings like: file-> settings-> advanced-> Enable segmented downloads. Make sure this box is unchecked, not checked.

Dtella

1. How does dtella work?

Most people are familiar with programs like Limewire and Kazaa. With these, you connect to everyone else using the program on the internet at the same time. DC++ is somewhat different. With a normal DC++ client, you will connect to a hub. Everyone who connects to this hub can download from each other, just like people on Kazaa can download from each other. Dtella is different, because the hub is located only on Purdue’s network. Dtella runs on your computer. DC++ connects to dtella on your computer, which then connects you to the rest of people on dtella, and, in turn, you can download from them. It’s a bit complicated, so if it doesn’t make sense, it isn’t that important. There are several users in chat who would be happy to discuss internals with you if you are interested.

2. What does “*** No connection could be made because the target machine actively refused it.” mean?

This means that you have to start “dtella.exe”. To check in Windows, push Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open the task manager. Click on the “Processes” tab, and “dtella.exe” should be listed. If it is not running, just open your start menu and click on “Dtella (Run in Background)”. Then, try connecting again.

3. What is port forwarding, and why is my router configuration so complicated?

The most common error people make when setting up dtella seems to be setting ports for DC++ and dtella. Make sure you set the Dtella UDP port with the !UDP command and the DC++ TCP port in your settings. Refer to the advanced setup page for more in depth information.

4. I keep getting a “connection timeout”. What is that, and how do I fix it?

This either means that you have a port forward issue or your firewall is being stupid. This is usually caused by an improperly forwarded TCP port, which is what is used to transfer files. See the router and firewall setup guides for more information.

Setting up your router

2. I already read that and I am still having issues. What should I do?

Please be sure that you followed the guides very carefully. If you are sure that you have read and followed the guides step-by-step, join us in chat and ask for help.

Other questions

1. What do I share?

Do not share anything like your install folder for a game or your Program Files folder. This will get you banned from Dtella. Share something that people might want to use: music, movies, porn, games (the files used for installation). Remember, sharing is caring! The more you share, the more everyone can have. The more everyone can have, the more everyone shares. The more everyone shares, the more you get! Downloading and deleting/not sharing just hurts you in the end. If you have absolutely nothing to get you started, check out this page to download Linux ISOs, which are large and useful files to share.

2. Who is this person downloading from me? I can’t find him on the list of users!

Make sure you have DHT disabled in your client settings. This is disabled by default in our custom ApexDC++ installer, but could be enabled on other clients. The important thing to understand is this: If you have DHT enabled, people who are not at Purdue can download from your DC client. This actually does count against your bandwidth and exposes you to security concerns, which is, of course, bad.

3. I have set up my router and port forwarded properly, but I can’t download from people, or I can’t even connect. Why is this?

First, please, check your settings again and double check them against the router setup guide. This sounds stupid, but people actually miss something minor very often in these settings. A few tips here: Check your IP address again. Depending on how your router is set up, you might have a different IP address for your computer now. If this happens, just forward it to the new IP instead. Also, check to see if your TCP port matches the port in settings and the UDP port matches the port Dtella is using. If you are completely stuck, join us in chat for help.

4. I am having firewall issues. What should I do about this?

If you are in Windows, chances are you are using McAfee Antivirus or Norton Antivirus. These programs are both very restrictive and over-complicated. If you can, it is recommended to uninstall whichever one you have and install Avast! Antivirus instead. Not only is it awesome, but it also sounds like a pirate. Get it here. If you can’t or don’t want to remove McAfee or Norton, try to follow the firewall configuration guide here.

Once you’ve done this, try to get on dtella. If everthing works, you’re all set.

Check how your hard drive (or other storage media) is formatted. Chances are that it’s FAT32 which has a file size limit of around 4 gigabytes (specifically 1 byte short of 4 GiB). Although FAT32 is nice in that it works on every major operating system, it’s not ideal for storing large files. If you intend on downloading or storing files that are 4 GiB or larger, you need to use a more modern file system such as NTFS (Windows), HFS+ (Mac OS), or ext 3/4 (Linux). Keep in mind that formatting your storage drive does erase data.

7. My Question isn’t answered here!

Join us in chat and ask! This will be the fastest way to get your issue solved, and may even allow us to improve our documentation.